14 Tips For Visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Last week, the family and I vacationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia (click here for tips on visiting this  lovely beach town) and, of course, we had to make a pilgrimage to at least one amusement park. 

Off to Busch Gardens Williamsburg we went!

For those who aren't familiar with it, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is owned by the firm that owns SeaWorld while it promotes Anheuser-Busch products, the latter company having developed the park as a marketing vehicle for their products. The theme is classic Europe, like the Parisian streets of France, towns of England ans Scotland, and the Oktoberfest celebrations of Germany. In all, Busch Gardens Williamsburg contains nine villages centered around six countries for you to explore. It also contains heart-stopping roller coasters, a variety of shows, shops, etc. designed to please attendees of all ages and courage levels. 

The Loch Ness Monster I was not courageous enough to go on.

 Here are my tips if you plan to visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg:

1. Look for discount tickets before you go.  You can sometimes find them at Wendy's and McDonald's, but here's a good site with links you can use to score discounts.  Why pay full price if you don't have to?
   
   
2. Wear good walking shoes. The park is large, but not as daunting as other (i.e. Hersheypark and Disney). It is, however, hilly, so bring comfortable walking shoes and if you're packing a stroller or wheelchair, know that you'll be using your muscles!
   
   

   

   Essential equipment.

3. Be prepared to use data. Busch Gardens Williamsburg has wifi, but it was spotty and unreliable.
   
   
4. Skip the app.  There is an app for Busch Gardens Williamsburg, but it didn't update you on waiting times for rides and didn't say which were closed.  Honestly, it added nothing to our experience.  In fact, most of the reviews in Google's Play Store were terrible and I can see why. Feel free to download the app, but don't rely on it.
   
   
5. Bring snacks. You're really not supposed to, but the guards were not confiscating any, so unless you're hauling in mass quantities of chips, you should be okay.  I packed carrots, granola bars, etc. which saved money on the unhealthy stuff the kids whined for.
   
   
6. Haul in water bottles. You're allowed one per person. I brought a small cooler with ice in Ziploc bags which kept the water cold and gave us additional cold drinking water. 
   
   
7. Purchase the souvenir bottle. It's worth it because refills are $.99 the day you're there and there aren't many water fountains in the park. Do what I do: after the initial drink, ask for refills that are half soda water and half juice or soda to cut down on amount of sugar you're getting. Oh, and you can always ask for a cup of ice water at any place that serves drinks.
   
   
8. Watch where you park either yourself or kiddies in the shade. Smoking is allowed in the park (DAMN! DAMN! DAMN!) and there's a good amount of shade you'll want to take advantage of. Just make sure you're not getting a whiff of cancer while avoiding the sun.
   
   
9. Use the tram as transportation. It goes from Italy to France to England and will save you walking. Plus the views are great!
   
   
10. See all the shows! They were all wonderful, especially Pet Shenanigans which featured rescued, trained dogs, cats, birds, a pig, and a rat. Adorable!
    
    
    
    

    

    LOVED Pet Shenanigans!

    
    

    
    

    
    

    
    
    
    

    

    Celtic Fyre was good, too!

     
    
    
11. Skip the boat ride. It's boring and really doesn't add any value to your visit.  Some narration would have made it a less comatose experience.
    
    
12. Stop by and see a Clydesdale. They don't put the ones that pull the sleighs on exhibit, but even the horses they have on display are beautiful!
    
    
    
    
    
    

    

    Breathtaking animals!

     
     
13. Have dinner at the New France Trappers Smokehouse – the food was DIVINE!
    
    
14. Don't worry about the alcohol. I was concerned that they sell beer here (of course), but I honestly didn't see anyone even remotely intoxicated. Whew!
    
    

I found Busch Gardens Williamsburg to be one of, if not THE CLEANEST park, I've ever been to (sorry Hersheypark) with pleasant, efficient staff!

One refreshing aspect is that you're not constantly being hawked by marketers; sure, there are stores, but the number of merchandising kiosks is minimal and no one is blasting over the loudspeaker, “Buy this!” or “Buy that!"  Sure, it's a for-profit place, but they're not trying to snag every penny out of you - at least not openly.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg one of those parks you can do in a day and not feel completely shredded at the end of your visit. I would return in a heartbeat!  Use my tips, go, and have a blast!

For more information, visit the Busch Gardens Willilamsburg website.

For Reading!

Please note that all photos of Busch Gardens Williamsburg copied from their website. 

Tips For Going To Virginia Beach With The Family

Howdy Readers! Just returned from Virginia Beach with the family and while there, I took notes to help YOU if you plan to go to this vacation spot. Ready?  

 Here we go!

The view from our hotel in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a lovely beach town that isn't as commercial or "honkeytonk" as either parts of the Jersey Shore or Ocean City, Maryland, Having said that, the north side tends to be less active than the south side, so take that into account when planning your hotel. We stayed at the Holiday Inn North Beach - it looks out over the ocean and boasts two lazy rivers, slides, and an outdoor pool plus a movie theatre and kids club – I HIGHLY recommend this place!

Virginia Beach is also not the quietest spot on the planet. The Oceana Naval Air Station is close by and the F-18s drill over the town throughout the day and night. Now, I didn't mind it since it reminded me of how fortunate we are to have such a vigilant military, but if you've got small kids, keep in mind that these jets fly low and are LOUD.

The Law Enforcement Memorial sculpture in Virginia Beach

 

Our hotel was within walking distance to many attractions and the boardwalk is concrete with a little section of rides toward the south side. You can catch the the Virginia Beach Wave trolley which goes to many sites and is only $1 a ride for adults, but we didn't. The 9 and 15 year olds were perfectly capable of walking.

Must dos:

• Rent a bike - You can rent bikes and surreys.  The boardwalk is flat and about 3 miles long.  It's a great way to get some exercise and see the beach.
• Busch Gardens in Williamsburg - Go! The park is hilly but not as big as, say, Disney and Hershey. My tips for Busch Gardens will be posted in a day or two.
• Ocean Breeze Waterpark – This waterpark, located in Virginia Beach itself, is just small enough to find the kids but big enough to keep even my two happy. There's lots to do, they offer free sunscreen, and some shade. There is NO WiFi, however, and I'd bring watershoes since there was no evidence of any cleaning of the floors in the bathroom. Oh, and bring bottled water. One of the things I liked about this park was the fact that you can actually get healthy food here, not just the usual fried crap that other parks offer.

• 

  Grommet Island Park, Virginia Beach

  Miniature Golf – It's hokey, but the kids love it.
• The Rudee Rocket – If you've got kids who love speed, go on this speedboat! The captain plays a soundtrack that starts with the theme from Jaws and you'll see lots of dolphins. This was a big hit with my son.
• Grommet Island Park - A big hit with my kids, this is a handicapped accessible park, which means you'll have no trouble with strollers. It's on the beach and we all had a blast here. 

Tips:

• To save money on breakfast, we hit the 7-11 in town for bagels, milk, etc. There are small markets in town, but if you can, head over to one of the grocery stores so that you're not buying food constantly. 
• Many hotels, ours included, had beach toys you could borrow. Check with yours before you schlep shovels, etc.
• Stock up on bottled water.  Why spend $3 per bottle, when you can get a case for the same price?
• We packed a small cooler for the trip and used it constantly when sightseeing. It kept our bottled waters cold and even allowed us to bring a few yogurts along for healthy snacking
• Pack more than two or so pair of footwear for the kids.  You do NOT want to be tending to painful blisters on a trip.

One aspect of Virginia Beach that I found particularly charming was the pace. Even though it was August, the streets were pretty quiet on the North end of town. I love how the police and lifeguards are extremely vigilant and low-key. 

Would I go back? In a heartbeat!  Virginia Beach is AMAZING!  

The lifeguard platform at 5th Street in Virginia Beach

Thank you for reading and, again, check back for my tips on Busch Gardens Williamsburg!

10 Cheap, Easy Ways To Stay Warm This Winter

It's -14 degrees outside which is funny, because I don't remember moving to Antarctica! While most of my house is comfortably warm, my den has 9 windows with a back door. The room leads to the kitchen, so both rooms get cold. Sure, I could probably add more insulation into the walls, but that's expensive. 

Staying warm can be a fun challenge!

So here are 10 cheap ways I keep myself and the family toasty:

1. Blankets – There's nothing like curling up with the family under a nice warm quilt on a winter's night to watch a movie. I have several blankets available for snuggling under – either alone, with a friend, or family member.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Sweatshirts, Sweaters, Etc. – For some reason, a few years back, sweatshirts were the "in” item to give out at bar mitvahs. We got several in large sizes with the bar mitvah boys' names on them. I don't feel like wearing a “Chester Rosenbaum Original” outside of the house, but inside, it's perfectly fine. Many of these shirts are thermal and suitable for wearing around the house.
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
3. Open Up The Blinds – Opening the blinds/curtains on south-facing windows during the day lets the warmth of the sun in. Close them in the evening for a bit of insulation. 
   
   
   
   
    

   

   Blankets & opening blinds can help warm a room. Oh, and if you can, grab a furry pet!

    
4. Put Rugs On The Floors – I'm not a big fan of rugs, but in that room, the wall-to-wall carpeting helps with the thermal factor in there. You can try area rugs if you don't have full carpets.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Space Heaters – The space heater in my den is adjustable for the area of the room. It sits on a hard, flat surface and turns off if tipped over.  We have one rule: when you leave the room, you MUST turn it off. Obviously, if a kid is going to the bathroom, that's one thing. But if someone is going to another section of the house, that unit must be shut. It's also a part of the house check we do before going to bed.
   
   
   
   
   
   

   

   A good space heater will turn off when tipped over. 

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Grab Or Make A Draft Stopper – Draft stoppers like the one I have (pictured to the right) are designed to fill in gaps on moveable items like doors or windows. This one is great because it slips under the door and opens and closes with the door.   Or you can make your own; here's a link showing how you can make a simple one.
    
   
   
   
   
    
7. Close Unused Rooms Or Floors – Close the vents in rooms you don't use and shut the door. We keep the basement door shut. It stays cold, but since we don't go down there that often, it's impractical to keep heating the space.
   
   
    
    
   
   
8. Change Your Furnace Filter Periodically -  A dirty filter forces the furnace to work harder and decreases the unit's efficiency. Mine gets changed at the beginning of the season and I check it mid-season to see if it needs replacing. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
9. Cook – You don't want to run an oven empty because of carbon monoxide poisoning, but I cook a lot in the winter (not well, but I do cook). After my chicken or lasagna is done, I turn the oven off and let that excess heat warm up the kitchen. Similarly, I'm not a fan of the drying unit on my dishwasher; I'd rather let my dishes air dry. Opening the dishwasher up at the end, releases steam into the air and warms up the kitchen as well.
   
   
   
   
   
   
10. Wear Appropriate Footwear – I am not a fan of socks or slippers, but in the Winter, I bite the bullet and put them on. Cold toes are not fun. 
    
    
    
    
    
    

    

    My daughter says mismatched socks are in.  Good, because I can never match them anyway!

    
    
    
    
    
    

Staying warm takes a little ingenuity, but it can be fun and is a great way to bond.  

There's nothing better than body heat, is there? Now, where's my favorite blanket and my little one? It's time to cuddle!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for reading!!!

Which Tips & Life Hacks Worked For Me Last Year

Since I've just joined The Ultimate Blog Challenge which asks that you write every day for, I think, at least the next month, there will be a lot more material on this blog. That means I'd better get my tushy in gear finding life hacks, recipes, tips, etc. that I can actually recommend. 

I am always on the lookout for tips & life hacks that make things easier.  Life is too short to spend it reinventing the wheel!

Not to toot my own horn, but in looking over my posts last year,

I think these proved most valuable to the majority of readers.

10 Indoor Activities To Do With Kids – I'd forgotten how much snow we'd already had by the time I wrote this one. It's also nice to see the snow sculptures my daughter made last year.

A Lazy Mom's Guide To Winter Decorating – Next week I'll be ripping the Christmas stuff down and taking out some of my Winter stuff. This post offers a link to a great tutorial on making paper snowflakes.

How To Find Family-Friendly Trips InYour Area  – Based on the blast we recently had at The Turkey Hill Experience in which we learned how to make ice cream (review coming up), I'll be looking for more companies that offer tours. And now that money is especially tight, the tips offered in this post are even more appealing.

5 Ways To Prepare For Spring  – Assuming we survive what's being predicted as an upcoming Snowmageddon, these serve as good reminders on what needs to be done before Spring.

Mom's 'Must Dos' Before The Kids Get Out Of School – Again, a nice checklist of what needs to be done before the troops are out for Summer.

Posting information means I have to research that data and really think about what might be useful to other parents. This is stuff I talk about with the moms I meet as we try to figure out this parenting-gig. I hope some of these posts help you. And stay tuned – there's a lot more coming up this year!

8 Tips For Going To Sleep & Getting Back To Sleep

 

One thing I never realized until I became a parent is that, for me, parenting affected the quality of my sleep. From the first night I brought Junior home, I became attuned to every little noise he made. I'm still attuned to my kids' voices and now, with menopausal hot flashes waking me up every night, I sometimes don't get much sleep at all. Recently, I discovered several things that actually help me get the number of hours of rest that I need to function. Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. This is just stuff that works for me. Please talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements.

Tip 1: Time your caffeine intake. Menopause does tricky things to your body including influencing how certain substances, like caffeine, affect it. I've found that drinking any kind of beverage containing this stimulant after 12 p.m. influences my sleep. Thus, after noon, I switch to seltzer, water, or decaf green tea. For more on caffeine and what it does to your brain, visit this article.

Tip 2: Stop all electronics and television use an hour or two before bed. The blue light from your phone and tablet negatively influence your sleep (for more on that, click on this article from Harvard Health. This was hard for me, but it helped.

Tip 3: Read a book. It relaxes the nerves and calms the mind. (For more on the benefits of sleep before bed, click here.)

Tip 4: Cultivate a sense of gratitude. Instead of worrying at night, I mentally list all of the things I'm thankful for. It relaxes me and gives me a sense of peace.

STOP ALL ELECTRONICS AND TELEVISION USE AN HOUR OR TWO BEFORE BED.  

Tip 5: Sleep in a cool room with some type of white noise. Your body needs to cool down in order to fall asleep and stay asleep. I use a fan which not only helps with the hot flashes, but fills the room with a nice, calming hum. I also use my Chillow when I have hot flashes (to read my review of the Chillow, click here.

Tip 6: Consider melatonin. When I wake up in the middle of the night, I sometimes use a low dose of melatonin with the blessing of my doctor. It helps me go back to sleep and doesn't leave me with the grogginess in the morning that over-the-counter medications did. For more on melatonin, click here.  

Tip 7: Clean your room. I'd heard that de-cluttering helped, but since I'm not the tidiest person, didn't believe it. Yesterday I actually did it and WOW! It did help! I look at my dresser and feel like I'm in a hotel. Apparently looking at the mess caused some stress. Now, no mess, less stress.

Tip 8: If you can't fall asleep or back to sleep in about 15 minutes or so, get out of the bed and go somewhere peaceful to read. 

 

Studies have proven the incredible benefits of sleep. It's essential to health and mood. If you can't sleep, try some of the above. They're working for me!

DO YOU HAVE ANY SLEEP TIPS?  I'D LOVE TO HEAR THEM!

~~

Thanks for reading!

10 Things To Do Before The Kids Go Back To School

Although no one, except retailers, wants to think about the end of Summer, it's only 7 weeks until my kids go back to school. And there's still SO MUCH to do! Here's a list of things you might want to accomplish before sending the minions off with their backpacks to another year of higher education:

1. Make a list of places/activities you want to see/do before the Summer ends. These are things you will regret if they're not done. For us, there are some water-parks we want to visit, friends we need to see, etc.  Try to end the Summer with no regrets!
   
   
2. Buy bathing suits and Summer-related items now, while they're on sale. Stores are busy stocking up for Fall and Winter and you can get some great buys now. I know Diva is going to be at least one size larger next year (all bets are out on the Teen who might wind up being 8' tall by the end of August), so buying bathing suits in a Large is a no-brainer. 
   
   
3. Take inventory of your in-house school supplies. It's time for me to empty out the old backpacks and put away any supplies the kids have sent home. Then I'll take stock so I can replenish our School Supply Cabinet in anticipation of the coming year.
   
   
4. Evaluate backpacks and lunch sacs to see if the kids will need new ones. By September, the stores will probably be low on both, so seize the moment!
   
   
5. Make sure you've gotten any necessary doctors' visits in. I dropped the ball on this one and now the kids aren't getting their physicals until the second week after school starts. That's not altogether bad, since they'll be able to get their flu shots at the same time.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Make a list of the projects you plan to accomplish in the Fall after they're in school. Mine include some painting, re-grouting, and a Momvacation Day at the beach.
   
   
7. Send musical instruments in for tuning and cleaning.  Every year while we're on vacation, we send Junior's woodwind instrument in for regular maintenance.  This way, come that first band practice, he's ready to go.
   
   
8. Check school websites for deadlines. The deadline to order Diva's school supplies through the PTA is coming up. Thank goodness I checked the website! Also, Junior has packets he needs done before the first day of high school. Funny how he never mentioned those. Similarly, sports forms are usually due in sometime during the Summer.  Stay on top of this now, so you don't have a sidelined kid in the Fall.
   
   
9. Start filling out your calendar for the Fall/Winter. Putting Back-To-School nights, etc., on the schedule now means you won't forget them when things get hectic in early September. 
   
   
10. Download some free planners at http://www.productiveflourishing.com/free-planners. This site lists all kinds of planners including ones to help you blog, monthly planners, productivity jumpstarters, etc. They can help you with all kinds of projects.
    
    
    Summer is moving all too quickly! Continue to make memories now and plan for the upcoming months. Parenting is hectic enough – get ahead of the game NOW! 

Thank you for reading! Please follow me on:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IsItHotInHereMM

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/isithotinheremm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Is-It-Hot-In-Here-Menopause-Motherhood-More

Bloglovin: http://bloglovin.com/isithotinheremenopausemotherhoodmore

And The Geek Parent: www.thegeekparent.com.

Add Fragrance To Your House For FREE

 

Sometimes when you're burning a candle, the wick burns down so far that all you have left is wax and no wick. Or you may have a candle but don't want to spend the money on a holder. I used to take those pieces of wax and orphan candles and use them in the fireplace when I needed help starting a fire. Last Winter, however, with me using the fireplace much less thanks to the kids' busy schedules, I had a stockpile of wax and nothing to use it for.

Love this candle, but am NOT buying a holder for it. 

Then one day when I was in the store looking at wax melts, I  had a "eureka" moment and realized that they're merely leftover pieces of candle wax like the kind I had at home. So I grabbed a few clean, label-less baby food jars (which I always stockpile because they're so handy), chopped up pieces of my old candles, and placed the now-filled jars on a candle warmer I had lying around. The wax pieces melted and my house smelled like I had a candle burning - all without spending a penny!  

Alternatives to this are:

1. If you don't have a baby food jar, use any kind of clean jar without labels that will fit on the warmer. When you need to label the scent, just write on the jar using a Sharpie marker; you can re-label the jar by washing the marker off with alcohol or scrubbing it clean.
2. If you don't have any candle fragments lying around, grab some dryer scent boosters (see photo below) and place those in a jar.

   

   Laundry scent booster

   
   
3. So that you remember to turn off the candle warmer before you leave the house or go to bed, leave your car keys or cellphone near the warmer. Chances are, you'll reach for one of those items, realize that they're not where they should be, and turn the warmer off.

Do you have any uses for leftover candle pieces? What are they?  I'd LOVE to know!

~~

Thanks for reading!  

8 Hersheypark Tips From One Who Just Got Back

I recently posted 8 Tips To Make Your Themepark Visit More Fun (click here to read it) in which I mentioned that we were planning our annual pilgrimage to Hersheypark. Well, we just got back, so I thought I'd share some tips specific to that trip and that particular venue. Here they are:

1. Download the free Hersheypark app from Google's Play Store. It's worth the effort just for the ride wait times and show times alone. I referenced the app many times during the course of our trip, especially since my daughter loves the shows.
2. Before you buy tickets, Google “discount tickets for Hersheypark.” My husband did and somehow got a deal through the Boy Scouts that saved us $20 per ticket; in addition, whatever site he ordered them from made a donation to that organization.   Promo codes for this park are pretty common and you just might find a good deal. One year, we scored tickets through some medical convention that saved us a bundle as well.
3. Take a look at the Preview Plan for admission if you're going to be in Hershey for more than a day. We were able to enter the park at 7:30pm, the kids did all the major rides which were NOT crowded, and then we went back to The Boardwalk the next day plus the kids did the major rides all over again. By the time we left last night at 9:30pm, they were all “Hersheyed out” with no regrets over rides not ridden.
4. Go during the week and earlier in the season, rather than later. We've gone to this park at various times during the summer and this past week was the best! The park was never crowded, we actually got a spot in the shade at The Boardwalk, and even took advantage of discounted merchandise at some of the gift shops.
5. Bring snacks. Yes, there's a “no snack” policy, but Security checked out our backpacks and didn't blink at eye at the Ziploc bags of crackers I brought in.
6. Buy the Souvenir Cup and get refills. When the water bottles we'd brought in were empty (we'd forgotten to bring in empty ones you could refill), we purchased one of the cups and kept refilling it throughout the day with free ice and water plus a few iced teas for $.99 each. We kept our family of four hydrated all day for about $15 total.
7. See The LiveWire show which was really good and definitely the best show we saw there. The Slide Brigade, one of the traveling bands, was also well done. If at all possible, SKIP the Character Quiz Show! I've seen dumb shows in my life, but that one, in my humble opinion, was definitely the worst I have EVER seen. It was actually painful. 
8. Don't mention souvenirs to the kids until the end of the day. I made the mistake of telling Diva that she was on a $5 budget and all I heard all day was, “When am I gonna get a souvenir?” I should have known better.  Please learn from my stupidity!
   
   

   

   Why I go to Hersheypark - The Wave Pool

   
   

Anticipate that there will be meltdowns by various members of your party during the day. Diva had several, my son had one or two, and by 6pm, I was in the midst of my own. It really surprised the kids when Mommy wailed, “I wanna go home!” But we did it. We survived another trip to Hersheypark which, I honestly believe, is one of the cleanest, best-run parks in the U.S. Use my previous themepark tips and the ones above and have a great time at “The Sweetest Place On Earth.”

8 Ways To Make Your Theme Park Visit More Fun

 

Every year we make a pilgrimage to Hersheypark, the theme park in Hershey, Pennsylvania that really serves as a living advertisement for the Hershey Company. We've been doing it since my son was little and a he's kind of grown up there, passing through each of the height categories which they mark with a product line. He's gone from a Miniature (kids under 36”) to a Jolly Rancher (people who are 60” plus) in the blink of an eye. But we've also gone to plenty of other theme parks, including a few Six Flags, Knobels, and many owned by Disney. 

Over the years, we've developed some “coping strategies” to make theme park visits more pleasant and definitely more affordable. Here are some:

1. Be prepared – Check the park's website for information on how to pay (one park we visited did not take credit cards and we had to run into the nearest town to find an ATM). Find out if there are discount tickets available and figure out which best fit the needs of your family. Hershey offers a Sunset Pass which allows you to enter the park the evening before and enjoy the next day at a bargain price. Whereas this wasn't prudent when my kids were little and had earlier bedtimes, it's great for now when they're older. It means we get more time in the park resulting in less rushing around to see everything.
2. Find out if you can bring in food/water – Yes, this is part of “be prepared” but it's also a money-saving tip. Water costs a lot in these parks, so if you can' bring it in, enter with an empty water bottle and plan on filling up at water fountains or in the bathroom where you can often find the coldest water. Also, in hot weather, many parks are required by law to give you ice when you ask for it. You can hydrate on ice cold water at a fraction of the cost. Similarly, bringing in protein bars and fruit not only saves money, but calories.
3. Plan when to go – Weekends tend to be busier. Cloudy days and weekdays tend to be less busy. Find out if there are any giveaways or special events planned. Those will make the park more congested as well.
4. Buy park souvenirs outside the park – We've found t-shirts and other items with the park's name on them, for a fraction of the cost, at a local Walmart and other retailers.
5. Do recon on the park and develope a strategy – Grab a map of the park, hopefully before your trip, and decide which rides are musts; then head to those first when you enter. By doing that, you'll avoid disappointment when the rides get super long, when the kids get cranky, or if inclement weather hits. If possible, make an itinerary. We always hit the attractions furthest from the entrance, so while most people are meandering through the park toward the back, we're working out way forward, thus avoiding the crowds. Know where shelter is (perhaps in a theater or arcade) and what might be air conditioned. On hot days, knowing where to find cool air will save you.
6. Pack a waterproof bag or backpack – You'll be living in your bag while you're at the park, so make sure it's durable and preferably waterproof. Stock it with hand sanitizer, cheap plastic ponchos, a first aid kit in a Ziploc bag, and sunscreen. Pack extra Ziploc bags to put electronics in to protect them from water rides, spills, or rain.
7. Take pictures of your kids when they first enter the park – In case you get separated, you'll be able to show people what your children look like and what they were last wearing.
8. Take breaks – Your visit isn't a race, it's an experience. Take into account that little feet need to rest. Don't rush the day; savor it.

Yep. We're headed to Hersheypark next month, as we have for the last decade.  The one year we didn't go, the kids missed it terribly and it was then that I realized how much they looked forward to it and how the pilgrimage had become an important part of their childhood memories.  Coping strategies won't entirely eliminate the stress of going, but will minimize it, allowing all of us to enjoy a rare day together, as as family. 

 

The Challenging Realities Of Spring Fever

Eating ice cream with chop sticks - one of the silly behaviors I attribute to Spring Fever

Even before Daylight Savings Time took effect this past Sunday, I noticed a change in the 8-year old and one of her friends. During a trip home from school, the girls could not stop giggling and they were speaking in cloying, annoying baby voices. It was almost as if they were, on some level, high. I immediately recognized what was going on: they had Spring Fever.


Spring Fever may not be a formally recognized ailment, but it's real and makes perfect sense: we've been cooped up all Winter without the benefits of sunshine and warm air. Spring brings a release of energy and more light after Daylight Savings does hit. We wake up feeling lively, renewed. We want to move NOW! And kids, of course, are tremendously affected by it. Like us, they want to shed their coats and rediscover an environment that's FINALLY devoid of ice and snow.


It goes beyond the psychological. In a wonderful article written for Psychology Today by Dr. John Sharp (read it here: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-emotional-calendar/201104/springtime-and-spring-fever), “neurotransmitter levels, trans membrane protein receptor densities, hormonal balance, and basal metabolic rate all make their seasonal shifts. There’s an increase in energy that cannot and should not be ignored.” Emotional discomfort may be experienced along with episodes of depression as we process feelings that are confusing. The giddy feeling that Spring Fever brings may tempt us to let down some of inhibitions and lead us to make poor choices.


Kids, especially may act up when they're hit with Spring Fever. Like my daughter and her friend, they may regress to a younger, sillier state as they process the sometimes-frightening, changing factors in their environment and respond to deviations in their also-affected classmates. They may have more trouble concentrating and adjusting to one hour less sleep as they become adjusted to Daylight Savings Time. So what's a parent to do?

• Understand that there's some biological basis to your child acting up. They're not doing it to be difficult. Their bodies are in flux, more than usual, and they're adapting. Cut them a little slack.
  
• At the same time, they need to continue to provide structure, especially if they're transitioning after Spring Break. Having structure gives them the security and predictability that they need to feel safe in the midst of Spring turmoil.
  
• Give children as many outlets for physical activity as possible. You probably do this, of course, but now is the time to think outside the box. Depending on the age of your child, consider taking them to an indoor roller rink, batting cage, indoor ice skating, or looking into activities at your local gym or community center. In my house, we've done laps around the block using her scooter or bike, and take walks whenever we can. On still-cold days, I've had her do jumping jacks and and actively play with the cat (good for both parties involved).

Spring is a wonderful time, but it can be a challenge, especially for those of us with kids. For additional reading on Spring Fever, visit these websites:

• https://suite101.com/a/coping-with-spring-fever-in-school-children-a89924
  
• http://specialchildren.about.com/od/behaviorissues/qt/springfever.htm
  
• http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/spring-fever-means-lighter-moods-and-more-love
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

How To Survive A Tricky Tray

You may win a prize at a tricky tray, but bring LOTS of cash!

Of all the school fundraisers I've encountered over the years, my favorite is (or was, until they got prohibitively expensive), by far, the tricky tray. When my son when to elementary school, they were adults-only affairs which included a nice, high-end dinner, entertainment and the actual tricky tray. They are, in theory, win-wins with the PTA making money and mothers getting out with friends for some well-needed “girl time” and, if you're lucky, you'll go home with prizes worth more than the cost of attending the event.


For those who don't know, tricky trays (also called penny auctions, Chinese auctions, silent auctions, basket socials, etc.) involve guests buying tickets which are then placed in a container next to an item you would like to win. These items can be a single “thing” or service or a group of items based on a theme. At our school, individual classes solicit merchandise for the baskets presented at the tricky tray. Once the attendees have the opportunity to place their tickets in the containers, the drawing for the prizes begins. If your number matches the winning number drawn, you win that prize.


Or rather, you might win that prize because, of course, lots of people want to win it, too. And many people who go are “professionals” who make the tricky tray circuit, either in your town or around the area. You'll know these people because they are obnoxious winners with swirly hats and noise makers they wave around as they gloat about winning. I hate those people!


But I did pick up some tips from them and from going to so many. So before you go, bring:

• Cash. These things are not cheap and because it's “for a good cause” you'll get oodles of pressure to buy many sheets of tickets. The more tickets you have, the greater your chances of winning. Also, the more cash you'll tinkle away if you don't win.
  
  
• Ziploc bags. The ticket sheets get broken apart and you'll want to keep the “master” ticket to prove you've won. Bags help you keep track of those master tickets.
  
  
• A sheet of cardboard and tape or a stapler. It's easier to check your tickets if they're right in front of you. I've never done this, but I saw some of the pros lay their tickets out.
  
  
• A highlighter. This is my favorite tool because you can highlight where in the program the caller is (i.e. which basket they're on) and which baskets you're betting on. Oh, and betting it is! This is legalized gambling, folks! I'd highlight which baskets I'd put tickets in because after a while, your mind goes numb with numbers.
  
  
• An “I don't care if I win” attitude. Those obnoxious winners will rub their victories in your face. If you go with the mindset that you're getting a night out and donating to a great cause, you'll have a better time. 

Don't kid yourself. You're going to be disappointed if you don't win at a tricky tray. 

Over the years, I did win big at several tricky trays and, no, I was not one of those obnoxious winners. Really, I was embarrassed by everyone looking at me, so I kind of slunk down and only waved my hand when I one. Here's how I won, although the last two tricky trays I attended yielded no prizes, so take that into account when you read these strategies.

1. Get there early and scope out what you really, truly want. One year I put a ticket in for a diaper bag. That bag is still sitting in my closet now that the “baby” is 8.
2. Layer your tickets. Put a few in now, then go back in a bit and add more, etc. Those who pick the tickets will, hopefully, swirl them around first and the more coverage you have, the greater your odds of winning.
   
3. I've seen some people bend or crumple their tickets so that they'll stick out when they're picked. I did this at the last tricky tray I went to – it didn't work.
   

Again, let me emphasize that this is gambling, which probably explains why some people seem to be addicted to tricky trays. It also makes me wonder why some schools actually let kids attend these functions. In any case, be prepared to lose because there's a good chance you will.

What my purse looks like after a tricky tray...(deep sigh)

For more information on tricky trays, visit:


http://voices.yahoo.com/chinese-auction-etiquette-tips-1470683.html – This is a nice article on Chinese auction etiquette, which lots of people forget at these things, especially if alcohol is being served.


http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/30Rauction.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&ref=nyregionspecial2 – A nice piece from the New York Times, read it for a sense of the carnival these affairs really are.


–


That's it for now. I recently borrowed my son's iPad so I could learn a bit about it. Check back in with me when I'll review some of my favorite iPad apps. Ta-ta!

5 Ways To Beat Those Disgusting ATM Charges

Just say "no" to ATM fees!

My temper still flares when I think of how banks are bilking consumers for access to our money! I'm talking about the audacity of levying fees for checking our balances, withdrawing money, etc. I've had banks want to charge me as much as $8 just for taking money out at an ATM!! But just because they want to charge us, doesn't mean we have to let them. To avoid paying those fees, try this:

• Use debit cards when you're shopping for small things. My favorite trick is to use my debit card when I'm shopping at my local grocery store. I don't use it for my major shopping, just when I have a few things to buy. Then I withdraw cash at the same time. I'm buying stuff I was going to buy anyway.  I get my money out without incurring a fee, so it's a win-win. Similarly, if you shop at Costco, you have to use a debit card any way, so why not take money out while you're doing it?
  
  
• Use in-network ATMs. Many banks and credit unions don't force their own customers to pay fees as long as they're using in-network machines. You could even make a list of where these ATMs are so that the next time you need one, you'll know where to find one.
  
  
• Take out more cash than you'll need. Don't just take out the minimum the ATM allows. Withdraw more than you'll need and then budget at home to avoid going back to the ATM.
  
  
• Write a check. Yes, really. Many stores still take checks. Don't be embarrassed – be smart and get your pen out.
  
  
• If you're changing banks or opening a new account, ASK what their ATM fees are. Let banks know that this is one criteria you're using to evaluate their institution.
  

The bank's job is to make money; mine is to keep it. Using the steps above should allow us, as consumers,  to hold on to more of our precious income and ensure that we're not hostages to money-hungry financial institutions.


–


Please check in with me in a day or two. A lot of people in this neck of the woods have had damage in their houses as a result of ice damming.  We had that problem a few years ago and I'll share with you what we did - inside and out.  Namaste!

Making Sure You Have The Right Shovel Before You Kill Yourself

 

The other day, a friend of mine was joking, “I don't know why people have to keep buying snow shovels. What? Do they throw them out at the end of the year?!” I hope not. My husband and I have had the same shovels for many years now, but I can understand that snow shovels might break. The blade could disconnect from the handle or a plastic blade could crack. A shovel might become ineffective if, for example, the edge on a metal blade dulls and doesn't break crusty snow or if your physical condition changes, leaving you unable to lift a heavy shovel.


The experts at Popular Mechanics (www.popularmechanics.com) list a variety of snow shovels and I'm sure more models hit the market every year. Our family owns several  and I didn't understand why until I realized that they're designed to do different tasks. Our 30-inch scoop-blade model (the gray one in the photo) works well for pushing/scraping ice and snow; its curved blade and weight make it prohibitive, however, for shoveling by anyone except my husband. The red, square-nosed shovel is also metal, which means it's durable, but the weight is, once again, problematic for me, although the teen does well with it. The blue, plastic 18-inch shovel is my tool of choice because it's light and great for even the heaviest of snow. Lastly, we have a child's shovel; initially, I thought this was a waste of money, but the one pictured is at least ten years old and was passed down from the teen to his sister. It performs well for my little girl, but is more important for the message it sends: everyone in our family pitches in to help, even the youngest member. This shovel is also great to keep in the trunk of your car for those times when you're plowed in.  Tip:   If you don't have room in your trunk for a shovel, carry a dustpan. Before I had kids, I carried a metal dustpan and it came in mighty handy if I was stuck in slush or mud.


Before and during the Winter, it's important to keep shovels well-maintained. Check any screws to make sure they're tight and before a snowfall comes, coat the blades with WD-40 or a lubricant so that the snow slides off the blade and doesn't stick to it. There's nothing worse than lifting a load of heavy snow only to have it stick to the blade!


Speaking of lifting, stretching before you shovel is a MUST! Shoveling requires the use of muscles that may not get used the rest of the year and it can be a very strenuous workout. Stretch your back, shoulders, and hamstrings. Dress in layers so you don't get overheated. Pace yourself and keep hydrated. Lift using your legs, not your back.


As for a “shoveling strategy,” my husband contends that shoveling before the snow has completely stopped is silly, while I insist that it's valuable (and the folks at Popular Mechanics agree). It's easier to shovel several layers of snow than a foot of the stuff, especially if it's heavy and wet.  I clear off our cars first so that I don't wind up re-shoveling the same area twice. Next, I clear off the area between the car and the street next, knowing that I'll probably have to do at least part of that area again once the snowplow comes through. Lastly, I do the rest of the driveway. I also shovel a path to the garbage cans and, if a big storm is on its way, an area for the generator in the back of the house.


For more resources on shovels and shoveling itself, visit these links:

• Popular Mechanics (www.popularmechanics.com), again, contains a lot of info including, as I said, types of shovels and strategies for shoveling snow (I'm so happy then concurred with mine). Their 16 Cardinal Rules For Shoveling Snow (http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/improvement/outdoor-projects/16-cardinal-rules-for-snow-shovelling) is a must read.
  

• Spark People (http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/calories_burned.asp?exercise=85) allows you to calculate how many calories you burned doing it.
  

• The Washington Post's article on 8 Attempts To Make Shoveling Snow Easier And More Fun (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/innovations/wp/2014/01/21/8-attempts-to-make-shoveling-snow-easier-and-more-fun) is a great read on some innovative, creative ways inventors have come up with for moving the white muck.
  
  
• The Art Of Manliness (http://www.artofmanliness.com/2011/02/04/how-to-shovel-snow-like-a-man) contains an interesting, somewhat cringe-worthy, article on shoveling snow. The author starts out by saying that there are certain tasks that “almost invariably fall to men” such as killing spiders, unsticking jar lids, unclogging toilets, and shoveling snow. Clearly, he doesn't live in my house where I do ALL of those things. While I found the article to be amusing, I did have to pop an antacid while reading it.
  

Our local weather forecaster is, once again, predicting several inches of snow later this week, so I may be heading over to Home Depot to buy a new shovel since I think we could use another plastic model. I'll be trying a few models out, before I buy one, to make sure I'm comfortable when I have to twist and dump the snow. I may only use a snow shovel for a few months out of the year, but during those months, it's an essential piece of equipment.


Thanks, once again, for reading! Please check in with me for a bunch of jokes related to snow and Winter as I desperately try to see some humor in it.  Snow-kidding! (Sorry, I couldn't resist...)

I can't wait until Spring!